davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21
I'VE Have EN- on the List"
THE "CREME DE LA CREME OF CITY
PROPERTY, ON THE BOOKS OF
THE ABILENE REAL ESTATE
COMPANY.

Without doubt the Abilene Real
Estate Company has the largest and
most desirable city and suburban prop
critics now on the market. We arrived
at that conclusion the other day, as Mr..
Shipe enumerated number of them
for our especial edificatiOn.
For the benefit of our readers, and
anyone desirous of being more fully in
formed in regard to Abilene real estate,
we have taken pains to designate few
of these ne plus ultra bargains.
To commence with, there's the Fair
view addition, on the west side. Five
hundred lots have already been sold,
and but 270 remain. Grand avenue ex-
tends east and west throughout the ad-
dition, and is handsomely trimmed with
three rows of shade trees on each side.
The street railway is now being laid
through Fourth st.
Raub's addition of thirty acres, north
of the town, commencing at the corner
of Buckeye Ave. and 14th St., includes
the famous Henry orchard, and is
beautiful location.
Mahan's fine addition lies one-half
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21

track from crossing of Cedar street to
the bridge was washed away and the
slender contents of Mr.. HOyt's lumber
yard found their way into the river.
Traffic on the railroad rem lined inter
rupted for about three weeks, and the
writer drove to Junction City, by way
of upper Chapman creek, fOl supplies,
July 4th, 1869. There have been two
overfiows, though less in volume, since
then, one in October, 1870, and one in
May, 1877. In the autumn of 1869 the
town site passed by purchase into the
hands of Augustine & LebOld, and in
the spring of 1870 the town took a
notable start, the vacant tract north of
the railroad beginning to gradually set
tie up. With the end of the Texas cat
tie trade, fall of 1871, the north side
began to fill up, and most of the busi-
ness houses moved to that side, and
First street for a time assumed a for
lorn and deserted appearance. The
building of a court house, corner Broad
way and North Second streets, in 1871,
and of a new school house at the north
end of Broadway, in 1873, were chiefly
instrumental in drawing the town in
that direction, and proved a paying
speculation for the willy projectors. The
setting up of printing office and issu-
ing of weekly paper was at the time
quite a sensation for the young town,
as also the county seat fight between
Abilene and Detroit, spring of 1870.
OF the later history of Abilene it is
notmy province to speak; the town has
at present three weekly papers, and a
population of about 4 500, but in this
point it still falls short of the ardent
expectations of its sanguine protector,
who, in 1870, on the basis of Observa-
tions taken in other states, predicted
for this place population of 1900 in
side of ten years from that date.-Abi-
lene REFLECTOR, January, 1885.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21

East room of the Masonic block, on
Second street, where he is at present
located. His success as a bright, keen,
active business man. has been almost
phenomenal. The business done at
Kirby's bank yearly is not exceeded by
any bank in the state west of Topeka.
BY attending strictly to business he
has amassed a fortune, and owns
several fine blocks in the city. His
bank is recognized as one of the solid
financial institutions i'm the state. The
corps of assistants are gentlemen of
marked ability, and popular with our
people, for their square dealing and
uniform courtesy. Mr.. A. W. Living
ston, the cashier, and Mr.. Charles
Howard, the teller. are two young men
who understand their business, and
possess the happy faculty of knowing
how to please their customers. Mr..
Kirby was nominated on the democrat
ticket for the responsible Office of
county treasurer in the fall of 1881.
His republican opponent was consider
ed strong candidate, and the county
was at that time republican by over
l 900 majority, but so popular was he
with the people that he was elected by
nearly 500 majority. In the fall of
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21

Brown i'll block 8, First street. On the
18th of June, 1869, the creek overflowed
all that portion of the town south of
the track, together with all the low
ground north of the track to the foot of
the hill-the whole town site-the
ground near the Cottage being the only
spot not under water, and becoming,
for the time, the refuge of the fright
ened inhabitants of the town. One
light frame building on First street was
carried to the middle of the road.
Another, a harness shop standing on
Mr.. Seely's lot, was fioated off dis
tance of three blocks. The railroad
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21
The Gem Barber Shop.
ADAM ROHRIG SON, PROPRIETORS,
UNDER A. Z. BISHOP &
co.'s, BROADWAY.

The Gem" barber shop is one of
the oldest stands in the city. About a
year ago it passed into the hands of
Adam Rohrig & Son, who formerly con-
Quoted shop in Griggsville, Ill. Mr..
Rohrig, Sen, has been in the business
for the past twenty years, and is an
artist of the first water, as is also his
son, Fred. They are blessed with a
large and steadily increasing patronage,
as well as a good transient trade. For
an artistic removal of hirsrte growth,
we can recommend you to no better
hands than those of the proprietOrs of
the ''Gem."
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21

nearly all alike all the season through.
At any time after the gathering,
during the fall and winter, the market
ing can be done with no more incon-
venience than in midsummer. Thus
one man in Kansas has ten months
favorable to mature and secure his
crops, and two months-January and
February-tO rccuperate and be ready
for the spring work.
This is no fancy picture-they are
facts well known to many in Kansas
who have felt the force of what 1 say.
-Ne,r York Express.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21

corner First and Cedar, and some othe-
frame buildings on First street, were
erected. Gradually the same. street
was built up from the initial point, cor
ner First and Buckeye, west to the creek.
Mr.. Hersey also got steam saw mill
in operation on the east bank of Mud
creek, some five blocks north of the
bridge, quite an important enterprise
for the place, there being as yet no lum-
Der yard here, all the lumber being
brought to Junction City, and re-shipped
to this place, a mode of proceeding
which added greatly to the cost of
building. However, Mr.. Hersey's saw
mill converted most of the available
timber in the river bottoms, chiefly
cottonwood and elm, into building ma
terial, and thus greatly helped the
building up of the town. Brick were
brought from Manhattan at a cost of
$500 per 100. A lumber yard was at
this time, summer 1858, started in block
4 by Mr.. Hoyt, and the town was stead |
lily growing. County buildings at this
time there were none, the tleasurer's |
Office being kept at the house of Mr.. J.
B. Shane. one-story, two-roon shanty |
in block 6. The county records were |
kept in the drug store of DR.. II. c. /
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21
Abilene-Past and Present.
NJ. HOFFMAN,.

Twenty years ago the valley of the
Smoky Hill from Chapman creek to
Solomon City presented here and there,
at long intervals, a small farm, the
buildings on which would have to be
looked for principally under ground
consisting mainly of ''dug-outs," both
for dwellings and stables. The exten-
sive bottoms and the sloping hillsides
from Lambs Point to Sand Springs
showed hardly sign of occupancy or
cultivation, and were the free range of
the small number of cattle and horses
then kept in this valley. The same
holds good of the town of Abilene,
which, as late as 1867, consisted of
scarcely q dozen log shanties, chief
among which was the "Hotel de Her
sey'' on the west side of Mud creek, a
stopping place for the overland stages
in ante-railroad times. With the ad-
vent of the railroad, summer 1866, some
stir was created; and in the following
year a few cheap frame buildings were
added. A new era dates from the
spring of 1858, when the large stock
yards east of town were built, also the
Cottage Hotel, McCoy's stable and Of
fee, these two being at that time the
only buildings north of the railroad, all
the rest being the undisputed herding
ground for cattle. Early in the same
year the Farmers & Drovers' store, in
block 4, and the store of Geo. Seely,
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21

weather set in. There was no lumber
to be had at any price. The winter
was very cold; nothing to get to sustain
life only at Fort Riley, and that was
condensed government provisions, hard
to take. The spring of 1856 opened out
rather late. Nothing raised that sea-
son. 1856 was the coolest weather /
ever saw; everything froze solid; ice two
feet thick; hard to sustain life. 1857
opened earlier; no settlers coming in,
that spring l plowed and planted, raised
some corn and vegetables, although
hard to find moist earth deeper than
three inches; the grasshoppers got their
rent that year; no settlers: redskins
plenty. The winter of '57 was not so
cold. No mills this side of Lawrence.
bought me steel mill, ground my
corn by hand, and had corn dodgers of
my own make-One good improvement
1 thought. The spring of '5S came in
nice. Iplowed and planted my corn
with oxen. No horses, did not culti-
vate much ground. l raised from IS
to so bushels of goUd corn to the acre.
Settlers began to come in. l then be-
gan to see what thought Icould when
/ came. In '5S | had the same big
yield that l had in 81 That fall |
planted four bushels Of fall wheat at
the cost of $40. Being late sOwed it
was not worth cutting. The fall before
1 drilled in one quart of rye, from which
/ got bushels of No. rye. Then the
yield of rye sown broadcast was 40
bushels to the acre. Then L had gra-
ham rye bread to eat, which thought
good No mills yet. 1859 came in
pleasant, with some rain. Big crop of
corn without cultivation. Emigrants
came in slowly. 1 forgot to say that
the country was organized by appoint
ing the county officers. Myself and
Bradfield and Molhagan were appointed
countv commissioners; Gugler, of Lyons
creek, probate judge, who did not serve
The county seat was Newport, below
Detroit. The fall of SO an election
was held for county seat, and Abilene
was successful. Thompson and Hersey
settled there in '5S, and two cabins
were built the same year at Solomon
City. The county officers elect were:
commissioners, Bradfield, Molhagan and
Lamb; treasurer, Jones; clerk, Chas.
MCGEE; probatejudg and justice of the
peace, Geo. W. Freeman. Then the +
county commenced growing. L mar
ried the first couple in the county-Mr.
Gardner and Miss Herman, ON Holland
creek. The spring of go opened fine,
with some rain. Corn 25c per bushel,
and prospects good up to June. Then
hot winds commenced blowing, and in
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21
Mt. St. Joseph's College.
HIGHEST CLASS, NOW IN PROCESS
OF ERECTION.

Elsewhere in our columns will be
noticed picture of the main building
of the grand academy of the Sisters of
st. Joseph, taken from the architects
plans, and which will be completed
this summer, and on which $50, 900
vii be spent. The location is in the
northeastern portion of the city. at
the highest elevation, and commands
an extensive view of the surrounding
country for miles in every direction.
as well as of the whole city, which is
built on the gentle slope that leads
southwark into the broad, beautiful
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21
Thomas Kirby
ONE OF OUR LEADING BANKERS AND
BUSINESS MEN, WHO is ONE OF
THE SOLID FINANCIERS
OF ABILENE.

In 1873 Thomas Kirby came to Alb
ilene from Johnstown, Pa, and accept
ed a position in the house of LebOld,
Fisher & Co. He continued with them
until 1878, when he engaged in the
banking business on his own account,
in frame building on Broadway. In
the great fire of January, 1882, his
building, with several others, was de-
ctroyed, when he removed into the
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21
What We are Like.

Emigrants to Kansas can inform
themselves from the following what
manner of men they will find occupying
the soil of this state. 1t is from the pen
of Prof. John A. Bronson, in the Amer
ican Agriculturist for April: What
a very great change has been brought
about on the farms of Kansas in fifteen
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21

mile east of tile court house, and is just
the place for suburban residence.
Shipe's addition, adjoining Fairview,
is velitable landscape garden. In its
borders is beautiful terraced boulevard
$50 feet in width, eight rows of shade
trees, and promenade 40 feet in width
running through the center. The ad-
dition is graded as level as floor, and
being 81 feet higher than the city CEN
ter, a commanding view OF the sur
vicinity can be obtained
The Abilene Town Company's lands
are also placed on the market through
the Abilene Real Estate Company.
One thing is certain, the company
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21

valley of the Smoky Hill. No better
nor healthier spot in the west could be
found than this, for such an institu-
ton. Forty acres is devoted to the
college grounds, and is already well
filed with handsome trees, making as
pretty park as one would wish to see.
The Academy will be replete with all
modern improvements, and every ef-
fort will be used to make it the finest
college for young ladies in the state.
1t will also be the nOvitiate or mother
school for the Sisters of this diocese,
and will rapidly rise to the place OF
first size and Importance in this part
Of the country.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21

five days the corn was wilted. In Au-
gust corn sold for $3.50 per bushel.
Then the settler could realize what
hard times were. The winter of 80
was hard, and a heap of settlers left. In
1861 the settlers did ali they could to
hold the dissatisfied, which they did.
sowed my first spring wheat. The
yield was 25 or 80 bushels per acre, No.
2 grade. Then spring grain flourished.
The corn crop was good in '6l. L
would like to say the county was organ
lied Democratic, and stood that way
It'll the war closed have said moth
ing about the different kinds of wild
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21
Lebold, Fisher & Co.
THE OLDEST BANKING HOUSE IN THE
CITY, COMPOSED OF SOLID MEN,
WHO ARE THOROUGHLY IDEN-
TIFIED WITH OUR CITY.

In 1870 the Abilene Bank was first
organized, with c. II. nebold as banker.
In 1878 John NJ. Fisher became associ-
ated with Mr.. Lebold, and the firm
launched forth under the name of Le-
bold, Fisher & Co. Mr.. Lebold came
from Bolivar, Ohio, in 1859, was elect.
ed county treasurer of this county for
two terms, and filled the Office with
ability. At the close of his second
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21

term he was elected member of the
legislature. Mr.. Lebold, by his untir-
ing energy and good business qualifica-
tions, has become one of the wealthy
men of Kansas, honored and respected
by all, his name a tower of strength
10 any enterprise that he associates him
self with.
John NJ. Fisher is one of the best
known men in the county, at all times
genial, courteous, and obliging. No
man has done more for our city.-the
large court house square was a dona-
tion to the city by Mr. Fisher. By in
vesting in real estate in and adjoining
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21
An Old Settlers Story.
COMING TO DICKINSON COUNTY IN
1856, AND STAYING BY IT
EVER SINCE.
GEORGE W. FREEMAN.

l Istrrrk my tent on Chapman creek,
sne-qLs.l ,er of mile from where now
live, on the 18th day of August, 1855,
no sign of any other white man on the
creek, the country wild and desolate.
lived in my tent until cold weather.
got me log cabin built as the cold
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21

has the choicest bargains in the city.
If you wish to buy, with view to
speculation, or to build home in the
most desirable location, write to or call
on the company, who Will fully inform
you.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21

beasts and insects and Indians that Wis
tied me. The weather we have just
passed through was the coldest for ten
years. Abilene REFLECTOR, January,
1855
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21
Eastern Enthusiasm.
WHAT A YORK STATE MAN WRITES
ABOUT US.

l will say, in the fewest words at my
command, that each trip settles more
fully in my mind that the state of
Kansas is but partially known to the
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21

As an evidence of the wonderful in
crease of values of Abilene real estate,
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-04-21
A Wonderful Increase.

FIFTY-NINE THOUSAND DOLLARS HJADE
ON ONE PIECE OF ABILENE 7 -
ERTY INSIDE OF SIX MONTH
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-06-18
Deer Park.
6 IS I'm

The strawberry and ice cream fes-
tiyal given by the Ladies Aid Society
of the Lutheran church, was a de-
cided success every way. 1t was held
only two nights, and notwithstand-
ing the very wet weather was very
we'll attended and patronized. Nearly
thirty-five dollars were made outside
of all expenses. The ladies connec-
ted with it wish to tender their sim
cere thanks to those of the Deer Park
citizens, both in and out of the Luth-
eran church, for their donations and
kindly assistance in every way,
They have purchased carpeting, sofa
and organ stool for the church, and
will add other articles. They also
tender their thanks to Mr.. Shartzer,
of Oakland, of whom the articles
were purchased, for his very friendly
reduction in his prices.
Mrs. S. G. HoYE,
MRS. D. F. GRAHAM,
nMRS. l.. III. SCHOOLFIELD,
Committee.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-06-18
Mountain Lake Park.

AS the Camp Meeting is drawing
so close l wish to call special atten-
ton to the article published last
week concerning the meeting. If
the people only knew what they
were missing they would certainly
make special effort to get here. Board
can be gotten here very reasonable,
or they can bring their tents and
pitch them free of ground rent, near
the auditorium. Extensive prepare.
tions are making to have this the
best of any that has preceded it..
Large numbers are arranging to
come.
Mr.. S. L. Allen, of Grafton, Mr..
w, III. Gilbert, of Piedmont, and
Miss s. G. Harris. of Southampton
county. Va, are in their houses for
the season.
The first guests arrived at Grace
Cottage last Saturday.
The Dining Hall is now open also.
Mrs. Earlougher, of Cumberland, is
fitting up the Fulton cottage and the
Alleganey House which she will soon
have ready for guests.
]. A, E.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-06-18
Death Of VIM. 2. Totten.

The sad announcement was re.
ceived here Monday last of the death
of Mr.. W. P. Totten, which occurred
at the Maryland Hospital. Baltimore,
on Sunday night. On Monday of
last week deceased showed unmis-
taxable signs of mental arrangement,
and his friends deemed it best to take
him to the hospital for treatment,
HIS disease was cerebro-spinal affec-
ton, and is supposed to have been
superinduced by white swelling, from
which disease he had been a great
sufferer for number of years.
Mr.. Totten was born in AIlegany
county September IA, 1882, and was
educated at Antioch College, Ohio.
After completing his education he
settled down in Oakland, where he
has been successful merchant for a
quarter of century or more. In
politics he was a Democrat, but never
held public Office except during the
years 1884 and 1885, when he was a
school commissioner.
Mr.. Tttten was a ruling elder in
the PRESBYTERIAN church of Oakland,
and alwaystook an active interest in
church matters. He was a brother
in-law of W, HI. Tower, who was
buried on Saturday of last week.
He leaves awidoW, who was the,
daughter of the late Hon. Thomas
Brown, of Kingwood, w. Va. He
leaves no childrel.
The remains Wee brought to Oak
land Tuesday morning, and the fu-
neral services took place Wednesday
afternoon at the Presbyterian church,
Rev. John S. Foulk, the pastor,
officiating, assisted by Rev. G. H.
Lakin. Presiding Elder of Oakland
Circuit, M. E. Church. The remarks
of Rev. Foulk were very eloquent
and impressive. The floral offerings
were numerous and beautiful. The
very large attendance attested the
high esteem in which deceased was
held by the people of Oakland and
vicinity.
The interment was in the family
cemetery near Oakland.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-06-18
Elkins.

After silence of some weeks we
again present our friends few items
from this place. All seems quiet
here, consequently news is scarce.
Our merchants seem quite busy.
Produce commands a good price in
Elkins.
Many of our citizens attended the
dedication at Davis, on the 18th inst.
Had splendid time they say. We
presume Grace Stuart will give us an
extended account of the occasion.
Miss Sue Beckman and her broth
err paid US a flying visit last week.
Come again, Miss Sue, and stay long,
err. We miss you very much in our
Sunday School.
Miss Della Savage, of Sang Run, is
now stopping here. May her stay be
long and pleasant.
Mr.. VIM. 1. Browns family at
tends the Fort Pendleton Sunday
School and contribute largely to its
success, If there were more persons
properly interested in this good and
great work it would prosper far bet
ter.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-06-18

vices will be held commencing
Thursday eve, 23d, to continue durs
ing the week,
There seems to be pretty general
prejudice against the English spar.
row and it is hoped that the next
session of the Legislature will open
the way to legal warfare against the
intruders. From England we notice
great complaints are made on account
of the great destruction to wheat
fields, some fields being Utterly de.
stroyed by them. Here they find
graneries, corn cribs, &C., and with
that warfare on our native insect
birds, it is thought the sparrow must
go,
Daniel Bowman, Jr,, is rushed
with work and has had an assistant
employed making butter kegs, whis-
key barrels. &c.
Good words are spoken on all sides
for Mr.. Charles Schlossnagle who has
made at his own expense a general
improvement in the Ev. Lutheran
Church building.
The citizens here are generally
making improvements in their prop.
erty and 1t is hoped that In time not
far distant we may haye the town
incorporated.
Mr.. Joseph Beeghly so far Is ahead
here in catching big hsh. His trophy
was salmon trout fourteen inches
long weighing six pounds. VIM. P.
Boyer also caught brook trout 134
inches long about the same time but
at different place.